Ken'S Macho Baked Beans
Ken's Macho Baked Beans offer a hearty, smoky flavor with a touch of sweetness and spice, perfect for BBQs, gatherings, or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Triple Sec ⓘ
- 2 cans pork and beans (16 oz. each) ⓘ
- liquid smoke ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the bacon slices and set aside.
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté chopped onions in the butter and bacon drippings.
- Add brown sugar, chili sauce, garlic powder, ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Triple Sec, and salt to the skillet.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the pork and beans along with 12 crumbled pieces of bacon to the sauce and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Add liquid smoke to taste (use generously).
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are moist but not runny.
- Garnish with the remaining 4 pieces of crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding more liquid smoke or using smoked bacon. If you prefer a sweeter profile, you can substitute honey for brown sugar. For a healthier twist, try turkey bacon and low-sugar sauces. Make sure not to overcook the beans to retain their texture, and feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ken's Macho Baked Beans as a hearty side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or serve as a filling option alongside dishes like Pork Chops, Applesauce And Sauerkraut. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ken'S Macho Baked Beans contains roughly 168 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 562mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ken's Macho Baked Beans in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beans a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them until heated through. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also omit the bacon entirely and add extra spices or liquid smoke for flavor without the meat.
How do I adjust the beans for a spicier flavor?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mix. You could also use a spicier barbecue sauce or chili sauce to kick up the flavor profile according to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).